Paschattap

This document is a Jain text titled "Paschattap" (Remorse/Regret) authored by Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla. Published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur, it's a poetic work that delves into the inner turmoil of Lord Rama after his wife Sita's second exile and subsequent events.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Book Overview:

• Title: Paschattap (पश्चात्ताप) - meaning remorse, regret, or repentance.
• Author: Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla Shastri, a distinguished scholar.
• Publisher: Pandit Todarmal Smarak Trust, Jaipur.
• Theme: The book explores the remorse and inner conflict experienced by Lord Rama after Sita's second exile and her subsequent decision to embrace asceticism. It aims to portray Rama not as a rigid ruler, but as a human being with deep emotions and a sensitive heart.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Foreword (प्रकाशकीय): The publisher expresses immense pleasure in releasing this work, noting its third edition in a short period, indicating its popularity. It highlights the author's meticulous review and revisions. The foreword also mentions the collection of favorable opinions from scholars and a critical essay that are included at the end of the book. It also touches upon the author's preference for thoughtful publication over haste.

2. Author's Note (अपनी बात):

   • Dr. Bharilla explains that the poem is an attempt to peek into the sensitive heart of Rama, a figure deeply ingrained in Indian consciousness.
   • He wishes for Rama to be perceived as a compassionate ruler, not a harsh one, and Sita as a balanced and knowledgeable woman, not just a victim.
   • He emphasizes that this is his personal interpretation of Rama ("my Rama") and should be seen as a creation of his own contemplation, not a mere retelling.
   • While the core narrative is based on Acharya Ravishana's Padmapurana, the author acknowledges incorporating elements from other sources, such as the widely known washerman-washerwoman episode, which is not in Ravishana's work.
   • The narrative context is set after Rama's return from Lanka, Sita's pregnancy, public gossip about her time in Lanka, her subsequent abandonment in the forest by Rama's command, her shelter with King Vajrajang, the birth of Lava and Kush, their upbringing and prowess in warfare, their encounter with Narada, their battle with Rama and Lakshmana, Narada's revelation of their parentage, Rama's acceptance of his sons, Sita's refusal to return without proving her purity (leading to the fire ordeal), her success in the ordeal, and finally, her decision to renounce worldly life and become an ascetic.
   • The author clarifies that "Paschattap" signifies the "heat" or "pain" experienced by Rama after Sita's renunciation, hence "Paschat" (after) + "Tap" (heat/pain) = "Paschattap."
   • He reflects on the societal implications of the washerman incident, questioning why Rama wasn't held accountable similarly if the washerman was ostracized for taking back his wife after she had been in another's home.
   • He notes that his understanding of human life spans different stages, and public perception often views individuals holistically, overlooking their early mistakes.
   • The author reveals that he wrote this poem at the age of 17, and it is being published at the age of 71, after personal review and minor additions.
   • He requests readers to evaluate the work based on its ideas and presentation, not just the author's age.

3. A Few Words (दो शब्द):

   • This section by Dr. Hira Lal Maheshwari provides context by mentioning that the Ramayana narrative, with variations, is also found in Jain scriptures.
   • He praises the poem's powerful emotional expression, internal conflict, and insightful portrayal of Ram's remorse after Sita's fire ordeal and subsequent renunciation.
   • Maheshwari highlights how the poem brings to life events like the washerman episode, the war with Lava-Kush, Narada's intervention, Sita's fire ordeal, and her departure for asceticism.
   • He specifically quotes Sita's poignant advice to Rama not to abandon Dharma if criticized, which deepens Rama's sorrow.
   • The review emphasizes how the poem showcases Rama's human side and Sita's pure image, with Rama's remorse and Sita's pain deeply affecting the reader.
   • Maheshwari notes that the poem, written at age 17, reflects the author's potential for significant literary contributions. He also sees a glimpse of the author's later philosophical and logical reasoning.
   • He identifies the influence of Jain literary conventions like past-life connections, religious inspiration, and ultimate renunciation.

4. The Poem "Paschattap" (पश्चात्ताप):

   • The poem is composed in Shringar Chhand (love meter) and later in Paddharika Chhand.
   • It begins with a prayer to Arhats and Jinavani (Jain scriptures).
   • The core of the poem is Rama's internal monologue of regret and self-reproach. He reflects on:
     • The injustice done to Sita by exiling her based on public gossip, even after she was pregnant.
     • His own actions, questioning if it was true justice or great injustice.
     • His fear of succumbing to societal pressure and the dilemmas he faced.
     • His inability to dispense true justice due to his own lack of understanding and dependence on public opinion.
     • The pain of seeing Sita leave, the breaking of their bond.
     • The belief that past karma dictates current circumstances.
     • His regret over abandoning Sita and the desire to prevent future such occurrences.
     • The questioning of societal norms and the fairness of punishing a woman based on hearsay.
     • The realization that those in power are not always truly just.
     • His own culpability in not standing firm against public opinion and in abandoning Sita.
     • The hypocrisy of societal judgment where the washerman was ostracized for taking back his wife, yet Rama was not similarly condemned for his actions.
     • His own role in setting a precedent for abandoning women in distress.
     • The regret of not understanding Sita's inner feelings.
     • The comparison between his act of abandoning Sita and Kaikeyi's demand for Rama's exile.
     • The contrast between Sita's purifying fire ordeal and his own emotional turmoil (burning in the fire of sorrow).
     • The acceptance of his own impurity and Sita's enduring purity.
     • The realization that his actions have made him an offender in his own eyes and in the eyes of his subjects.
     • The inversion of roles where Sita, once his follower, has become his spiritual guide.
     • The recognition of Sita's immense strength, sacrifice, and the exceptional quality of her sons, Lava and Kush.
     • The understanding of the profound nature of feminine strength and virtue.
     • The acknowledgment that public opinion can be misleading and that true justice should not be swayed by it.
     • The realization that he, as a king, failed to uphold true justice and was swayed by public opinion.
     • The contemplation of Sita's purity and his own perceived impurity due to his actions.
     • The profound impact of Sita's renunciation on his entire kingdom and family.
     • The poem concludes with Sita's departure for asceticism, leaving behind a deeply remorseful Rama.

5. Opinions of Scholars (मनीषियों की दृष्टि में): This section compiles testimonials from various respected scholars who praise the work for its:

   • Sensitive portrayal of Rama's emotional depth.
   • Strong blend of emotional and artistic elements.
   • Insightful critique of societal norms and the status of women.
   • Psychological depth and intellectual rigor.
   • Ability to resonate with readers and provoke thought.
   • Masterful use of language, meter, and imagery.
   • Modern relevance and unique perspective on the Ramayana narrative.
   • The ability to connect spiritual and philosophical concepts with human experiences.

6. Critical Study (एक समीक्षात्मक अध्ययन): This extensive critical analysis delves deeply into the poem:

   • Narrative Basis: It reiterates that the poem is based on Jain Puranas, particularly Padmapurana, focusing on the aftermath of Sita's fire ordeal and her subsequent renunciation.
   • Author's Perspective: It highlights the author's contemplation of the ethical and moral dilemmas presented in the Ramayana, questioning the justice of Sita's exile and the fire ordeal.
   • Symbolic Interpretation: The analysis suggests that Rama can be seen as the Atmaram (Self, the soul) and Sita as Jinavani (Jain scriptures or divine knowledge), with the poem illustrating the process of self-realization and spiritual purification.
   • Modern Relevance: It argues that the poem, though written in youth, addresses contemporary issues of justice, societal hypocrisy, and the plight of women, making it relevant even today.
   • Critique of Societal Norms: The study emphasizes how the poem questions patriarchal norms, the arbitrary nature of justice, and the impact of public opinion.
   • Feminist Undertones: It points out how the poem elevates Sita's character and highlights the potential for female strength and resilience.
   • Literary Craft: It examines the poem's structure, language, use of meters, figures of speech, and its overall impact on the reader, noting the author's skillful expression of profound emotions and philosophical ideas.
   • Philosophical and Spiritual Dimensions: The analysis explores how the poem subtly weaves in Jain philosophical concepts like karma, self-reliance, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
   • Symbolic Interpretation of Ram and Sita: The closing commentary suggests a deeper symbolic meaning where Rama represents the seeker of truth (Atmaram) and Sita represents the divine knowledge (Jinavani). The poem then becomes an allegory for spiritual growth, repentance, and the path to liberation.

Overall Theme and Impact:

"Paschattap" is not just a retelling of a familiar epic tale. It's a profound exploration of remorse, justice, societal pressures, and the human heart's capacity for both great acts and deep regret. Dr. Bharilla uses the character of Rama to voice these complex human emotions and ethical questions, offering a unique perspective that is both philosophical and deeply empathetic. The scholarly reviews affirm its literary merit and its contribution to understanding the Ramayana from a Jain philosophical viewpoint, highlighting its enduring relevance.